MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police are asking for the public’s help in identifying an armed robber who stole a car from a man who gave him a ride in Milolii.

The victim reported that he was driving his sedan northbound on Highway 11 heading toward Kona at 10 p.m. Wednesday (September 27, 2006), when he picked up a man hitchhiking. After they had traveled north for about 10 minutes, the hitchhiker told the driver to pull over to the side of the road. He then pulled out what appeared to be a pistol, pointed it at the driver, ordered him out of the car and drove away.

The victim was unable to describe the victim other than as a “dark male.”

The car is a gray 2003 Kia Rio, license plate number HJH773.

Police warn the public that anyone with information about the identity of the hitchhiker should not approach him because he is considered armed and dangerous.

Instead, citizens with information about his identity or the location of the stolen car are asked to call Sergeant Linda Tester of Kona Patrol Division at 326-4646, ext. 269 or the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.